for the initial comic, one should be aware that if a thinkpad comes with preinstalled windows, you indirectly pay the hidden cost of it to microsoft through the manufacturer. so when you then install linux on it, you gave them money for nothing in return.
so it kinda depends on what “better” means for you.
The Windows Key is saved in the bios and visible in config, though. You should be able to use it on a different computer or to sell it on some questionable markets. I don’t think it’s strictly legal to resell it, but c’mon… who has never bought a 10€ OEM windows key on ebay?
for the initial comic, one should be aware that if a thinkpad comes with preinstalled windows, you indirectly pay the hidden cost of it to microsoft through the manufacturer. so when you then install linux on it, you gave them money for nothing in return.
so it kinda depends on what “better” means for you.
The Windows Key is saved in the bios and visible in config, though. You should be able to use it on a different computer or to sell it on some questionable markets. I don’t think it’s strictly legal to resell it, but c’mon… who has never bought a 10€ OEM windows key on ebay?
Initially read that as you were talking about the physical windows keyboard key and was quite confused